EXHIBIT 12
U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1998 1997 1996
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Income before taxes.................................................................. $ 2,150 $ 2,018 $ 2,001
Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized)........................................ 386 374 414
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3).................................................... 56 67 54
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Earnings available for fixed charges................................................. $ 2,592 $ 2,459 $ 2,469
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Interest expense..................................................................... $ 411 $ 394 $ 445
Interest factor on rentals ( 1/3).................................................... 56 67 54
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Fixed charges........................................................................ $ 467 $ 461 $ 499
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges................................................... 5.55 5.33 4.95